Chitin is a polysaccharide, a type of carbohydrate, and it is the second most abundant organic compound in the world after cellulose. It is found in the exoskeletons of insects, crustaceans, and other arthropods, as well as in the cell walls of fungi. Chitin is a strong and flexible material, and it is also water-resistant.
In cockroaches, chitin is combined with proteins and other substances to form a complex material called sclerotin. Sclerotin is what gives the cockroach's exoskeleton its hardness and strength. The exoskeleton also contains waxes and oils that help to keep it water-resistant.
